Rotary turbine-type hydraulic torque converter



April 24, 1951 P. ORR 2,550,082

ROTARY TURBINEJYPE HYDRAULIC-TORQUE CONVERTER Filed May 5, 1945 s sheets-sheet 1 Fczwzer Uff' P. ORR

April l 24, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 5, 1943 xx @l Q LE R f- ,2 WW bw bm. if 2 QM P. ORR

April 24, 1951 ROTARY TURBINE-TYPE HYDRAULIC TORQUE CONVERTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 5, 1943 k @MN Patented pr. 24, 1951 ROTARY TURBINE-TYPE HYDRAULIC TORQUE CONVERTER Palmer Orr,Y Muncie, Ind., assigner to Borg-War# ner Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application May 5, 1943, Serial No. 485,718

My invention relates to transmissions and more particularly to transmissions of the type which comprise hydrodynamic torque converters and which are particularly useful in motor driven vehicles.

Hydrodynamic torque converters` of a well known type comprise an impeller, aVY rotor, and a stator or reaction element, with the three elements being so arranged to form a housing for fluid. W'hen the impeller is rotated, the iiuid is given kinetic energy and impinges on the rotor to rotate it. The reaction element functions to change the direction of flow of the fluid and is so arranged whereby the rotor is driven at a higher torque than the impeller is driven. It is one of the objects of my invention to provide improved means for rotating the reaction element of a torque converter of this type while the converter is functioning to drive the rotor at a higher torque than is impressed on the impeller whereby to change the characteristics of the converter.

One-way coupling means is preferably provided for the reaction element of a torque converter of the prior art whereby, when the rotor has reached a predetermined speed with respect to the impeller, the reaction element freely rotates in a forward direction along with the impeller and rotor and the converter functions thereafter as a simple two-element fluid coupling. It is another object of my invention to provide, with a torque converter having oneway coupling means allowing such free rotation of the reaction element, improved means for` rotating the reaction element while the rotor is being driven at increased torque whereby the clutch point of the one-way coupling means, that is, the rotor speed with respect to the impeller speed at which the coupling means for the reaction element releases, is changed from the clutch point which would exist if the reaction element were simply held stationary by the oneway coupling.

It is another object of my invention to provide in a transmission comprising a hydrodynamic torque converter, improved means for rotating the reaction element of the torque converter in the same or forward direction with respect to the impeller of the converter when the rotor is being driven at increased torque.

It is a further object of my invention to provide in a transmission comprising a hydrodynamic torque converter, improved means for rotating the reaction element of f the torque converter in the reverse direction when the rotor of 18 Claims. (Cl. 60-54) the converter is being driven at increased torque.

It is contemplated that the means for rotating the reaction element while the rotor is being driven at increased torque may comprise planetary gearing operatively disposed between the reaction element and the output shaft of the transmission which is driven by the rotor, and it is further contemplated that a one-way brake unit may be lassociated with the gearing for serving as a, one-way braking means for the reaction element of the converter.

It is another object of my invention to provide in a transmission utilizing a hydrodynamic torque converter, two sets of gearing adapted to be selectively made effective for rotating the reaction element either in a forward or in a reverse direction when the rotor of the converter is being driven at increased torque. It is contemplated that friction clutch means may be provided for connecting either of the gear sets operatively between the reaction element and output shaft of the transmission for so rotating the reaction element.

It is still another object of my invention to provide, with one of my improved transmissions including two gear sets for rotating a converter reaction element in either direction and which is installed in a motor vehicle, interconnecting means between the accelerator for the motor vehicle and the clutch means for making the gear sets effective, whereby the gear set operating to rotate the reaction element in a reverse direction is normally eifective while the gear set operating to rotate the reaction element in the forward direction is made effective upon the accelerator being moved to its open throttle position. It is contemplated that a oneway brake unit shall preferably be associated with the gear sets whereby the reaction element may rotate freely in the forward direction with the impeller and rotor above predetermined speeds of the rotor. Y l

My invention consists of the novel `constructions, arrangements, and devices to be hereinafter described Vand claimed for carrying out the above-stated objects and such other objects as will appear from the following description of certain preferred 'embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

AFig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission embodying principles of my invention;

Fig. 1a is a sectional view taken on line laf-Ira in Fig. 1.

transmission casing 24and the sun gear.

attacca the efIiciency, torque and output Vspeed of the transmissions illustrated in thepreceding figures.

Like characters of reference designate like Y parts in the several views.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the transmission illustrated in these figures'corni prises'an input shaft IIlfand an output shaft II.`

The transmission may be installed in `va motor driven vehicle with the shaft Il! being driven by the engine and the shaft II being connected 'through suitable mechanical connections with the driving wheels rof the vehicle. A' hydrodynamic torque converter I2 is driven by the shaft III and comprises a vaned impeller I3, a varied rotor I4 and a vaned reaction'element I5. 'The impeller I3 is connected with the input shaft IIB; the rotor I4 is splined to the output shaft II; and the reaction element I5 is splined to a tubular shaft I6 disposed von the shaft II. The torque converter I2 is of the ordinary type wherein the vanes of the three elements of the 'converter are disposed in a uid housing, and the vanes of the elements are so Varranged that when v' the impeller I3 is rotated, the rotor I4 is driven at increased torque -with fluid impinging on the reaction element so as to tend/'to rotate it in a direction reverse with respect to the direction of rotation of the impeller and rotor.

A planetary gear set is 'operatively disposed'between the output shaft II `and the reaction element I5. This gearset comprises a ring gear I'I connected with the shaft I6, planet gears I8 in mesh with the gear I'I,"a sun gear I9, and planet gears 2l) in mesh with'the'sun gear and the planet gears I8. The planet gears I8 and 20 are rotatably disposed on stub-*shafts v2l which `are fixed in a carrier element 22 splined on shaft II. The sun gear I9 is -rotatably disposed on'the shaft I I.

yand a 'one-*way roller brake 23, which is iofthe ordinary type, is Yprovided Vbetween a stationary The roller brake 23 is so arranged as to allow'the sun gear I9 tov rotate freely in the forward'direction, that is, in the same direction in 'which the impeller I3 is rotated, and to prevent rotation of the sun gear I9 in the opposite o1- reverse direction. A reversing unit -25 lof any suitable type may be disposed operatively at the rear ofthe shaft II as shown.

In operation, when the :shaft II) :is rotated,

power is transmitted from that shaft through the impeller I3 and the rotor I4 tothe shaft II, and the shaft I I is rotated at a slower speed but at a greater torquethan the shaft I3 due to theaction of the reaction element. I5. The reactionon the reaction element is in the .reverse direction; .how-

rection. The shaft II rotates in the forward direction whereby the carrier .element 22 and planet gears I8 and 20 rotate about the sun gear I9; and the ring gear I1, the shaft I6 and the re'- action element I5 are driven in the forward direction and at a slowei` speed than the impeller I3 or rotor I4. The sun gear I9 functions as the reaction member of the planetary gearing, and the one-way brake 23 is engaged to hold the sungear I9 against reverse'rotation.. When the speed of the rotor I4 has increased to a predetermined value, the reaction on the reaction ele- Avment I5 changes from a force tending to rotate the reaction element in a reverse direction to one tending Vto rotate it in the forward direction, in accordance with the well-known principles of operationof torque Aconverters of the type shown.

`When the reaction on .the reaction element thus changes, the one-way brake 23 releases and allows the .reaction element I5 to rotate freely in the forward `direction along rwith the impeller I3 and rotor I4, and theconverter I2 thereafter functions similarly toasimple two-element fluid coupling. When the converter I2 functions to drive the rotor" I 4 and shaft I I at increased torque andthe reaction on the reaction element I5 is in the reverse direction, the rotation'of the reaction element I5 in the forward direction due 'to the planetary gearing tends to decrease the reaction element to rotate freely in theyforward direction.

The transmission illustrated in Figs.3' and 4 is similar in sornerespe'cts 'to 4the transmission shown in Figs. 1 and 2,; however, in the former transmission, the reaction element of a torque converter is rotated 'in a reverse direction or .at a negative speed with respect tothe impeller of the converter. YThe transmission shownin Figs. 3 'and 4 comprisesaninput shaft 30 and an output shaft 3l. The .shaft'30 Yis connected with an impeller 32 of l.a'hydro'dynar'nic torque converter '33, and thel torque converter Vcomprises in addition to the impeller 32, .also a 'rotor 34 4and .a stator or reactionelementj35. The rotor 34 is Vsplined to the sha'ftf3l., and the reaction element 35 is splined to a shaft 36 disposed on kthe shaft 3|. The torque converter 33 is of the same ordinary "type as the converter I2, and the impelier, rotor ,and reaction element of the converter 33 .aresimilar to the ycorresponding ele- 'ments' of the converter I2.

jgears 38 are rotatably disposed on stub shafts 40 which are xed in a carrier element 4I rotatably disposed on Vthe shaft?, I. -A one-way roller brake 42 of the well-knowntype'is operatively disposed between the carrier velementdi Aand a stationary transmission housing 43, andthe Vbrake is so ar- Yrarigedasto allow the element 4I torota'te freely .in `tlreforwarddirection or in the'same direction as 'the rshaft 30 4is krotated 'and to preventV vrotation 'of the carrier element in the reverse or opposite direction; A reversing unit 44 of any suitable type may be operatively disposed at the rear of the shaft 3| in the vsame manner as was indicated in Fig. 1. Y f

In the operation of this embodiment of ymy invention, which is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, when rotation of the shaftv 39 is begun, the output shaft 3| is driven at increased torque with respect to the torque applied to the shaft 30 due to the action of the reactionvelement 35, and the flow of power between the shafts'sis through the impeller 32 and rotor 34. When the shaft 3| is thus driven at increased torque, the reaction on the reaction element 35 is in the reverse direction, and due to the action of the planetary gear set, the reaction element 35 rotates in the reverse direction as will be explained. The oneway brake 42 is effective to hold the carrier element 4| against reverse rotation, and, since the shaft 3| rotates in the forward direction, the ring gear 31, the shaft 36 and the reaction element 35 rotate in the reverse direction, with the reaction in such direction on the vreaction element 35 producing such rotation of these parts. When the speed of the rotor 34 increases Suniciently, the reaction on the reaction element 35 changes to a reaction in the forward direction, and the one-way brake 42 releases and allows the reaction element 35 to rotate freely in the forward direction along with the impeller and the rotor. The effect of allowing the reaction lelement 35 to rotate in the reverse direction by means of the planetary gear set operatively disposed between the reaction element and the output shaft 3| is to increase the torque at which the shaft 3| is driven when the-reaction on the reaction element 35 is in the reverse direction, with respect to the torque which vwould be applied to the shaft 3| by the converter 33 yif the reaction element 35 were held stationary in accordance with standard practice. Such rotation of the reaction element 35 by means of the planetary gear rset also has the effect of decreasing the speed of the output shaft 3| at which the one-way clutching means for the reaction element, which in the illustrated transmission is the one-way ybrake 42, releases to permit the reaction element to rotate freely in the forward direction.

The embodiment of `the invention shown in Figs. 5 and 6 includes gear means for rotating the reaction element of a torque converter in both directions. The transmission shown in these figures-comprises an input shaft 58 and an output shaft 5|. The input shaft 50 is connected with an mpeller 52 of a hydrodynamic torque converter 53 which also comprises a rotor 54 and a reaction element 55. The rotor 54 is splined to the shaft 5|, and the reaction element 55 is splined to a shaft 56 disposed on the shaft 5|. The torque converter 53 is similar to the torque converters 33 and |2 shown in the embodiment of the invention hereinbefore described.

A planetary gear set 51 is provided which is adapted to be connected operatively between the reaction element 55 and the output shaft 5|. This gear set comprises a ring gear 58, a plurality of planet gears 59 (one being shown in the drawings) which are in mesh with the ring gear 58, a sun gear 60 rotatably disposed on the shaft 5|, and a plurality of planet gears 6| (one being shown in the drawings) which are in mesh with the planet gears 59 and the sun gear.

The gears 59 and 6| are rotatably disposed on stub shafts 62 which are fixed ina carrier element63 splined on the shaft 5|. A friction clutch 64 is provided for operatively connecting the ring ygear 58 and the shaft 56.

The friction clutch comprises a member 65 which is splined on the shaft 56 and in a member 66, clutch discs 61 splined to the member 66, clutch discs 68 splinedrto the ring gear 58 and a piston 69 provided in the member 66 and adaptedrto press the discs 61 and 68 together to ene gage the clutch 64.

Another planetary gearV set 10 is provided for operatively connecting' the shaft 5| and the reaction element 55. This gear set comprises a ring gear 1|, a sun gear 12 formed on the shaft 5|, and a plurality of planet gears 13 which are in mesh with the sun and ring gears. The planet gears 13 are each rotatably disposed on a stub shaft 14 which is fixed in a carrier portion 15 connected with the sun geari60 and rotatably disposed on the shaft 5|. A one-way roller brake 16 is provided between thecarrier portion 15 and a stationary transmission housing 11, and the brake 16 is so arranged as to permit free rotation of the carrier portion 15 in a forward direction but to prevent reverse rotation of the carrier portion.

A friction clutch 18 is provided for operatively connecting the ring gear 1| and the shaft 56.. The friction clutch comprises clutch discs 19 splined to the member 66, clutch discs splined to the ring gear 1|, an annular backing plate 8| fixed in the member 66 and an annular piston 32 slidably disposed in the member 66 for pressing the clutch discs 19 and 80 together. Y

Fluid pressure means is provided for controlling the clutches 64 and 18. This means comprises a valve piston 83 having four lands 84, 65, 86 and 81 and which is slidably disposed in a cavity provided in the housing 11. Fluid passages 88 and 89 are provided in the housing 11 and member 66 which are in communication with the pistons 69 and 82 and with the cavity in the.housing 11, as shown. The housing 11 is also-provided with Vpassages 99 and 9| which are in communication with the cavity in the housing and constitute fluid bleed passages. A passage 92 which is connected with any suitable source of fluid pressure and with the cavity in the housing is also provided. The valve piston 83 has two principal positions, in one of which it is shown in the figure. In the position of the piston in which it is shown, the piston functions to connect the passages 92 and 88 whereby fluid under pressure is applied to the piston 69 to engage the clutch 64. The piston 83 in this position also functions to connect the passages 89 and 9| whereby any fluid under pressure applied to the piston 82 drains from behind the piston. The piston 83 in its other principal position is moved to the right as seen in Fig. 5 with its land 81 abutting the end ofthe cavity in the housing11, and a spring 93 is provided for moving the piston 83 to this position. The Y piston in this position functions toA connect the passages 92 and 89 to apply fluid under pressure to the piston 82 for engaging the clutch 16, and the piston in this position also functions to connect the passages 88 and 98 whereby any fluid under pressure acting on the piston 69 may freely drain from behind the piston for disengaging the clutch 64.

The piston valve 83 may be controlledmanually or automatically; for purposes of illusi7 Y tration, however, -Ivalve 83 is Tshown `c cmtrolled from;thefacceleratora94 for anengine (not shown) for driving the shaft. The means for icon: 'necting the :accelerator :94 'and lpiston '-33 com- Wire 91,'and the .means functionsfsuchg'that when the-accelerator 94 is; in'clos'edl throttle positionior in other positions intermediate its fclosed 4thrQt.i tle Kand open throttle positions, the vlspringflS `a'ctsto hold .the1piston"8'3 to the limit-of its movement to `the .right for-engaging' theclutch l' 8, fand when the accelerator 94 is moved .downwardly vto its :open throttle position, the1piston83Y is moved toits positionfas shownin Fig. vk5'due to .movement 4of the link 95 *and bell crank :96 for `'engaging the clutch 64.

It will be observed, particularly lfrom kan in- Aspectionof Fig. 6, thatthe planet ggean-zsets `55| .and 10. are similar to the planet gear :sets :shown ,in`Fig.' l and Fig. :3 embodiments of my rinvention respectively. 'When-.theclutch 64 iSeng-aged and the clutch 18 is disengaged, the .gearset 57 -is effective, and the reaction element55 i's driven Yin the forward direction in the .same manner that the reaction element l5 V'is driven in :such direction in the Fig. 1 embodiment of the invention. When the clutch 18 is engaged and fthe clutch 64 is disengaged, the planet rgearset Niis effective, vand the reaction element 55 .is driven Yin the-.reverse direction in the same manner that the `reactionielementti yis driven in the reverse Ydirectionin the 'Fig.3 embodiment of the invent tion. The one-way ibrake 16 performs the func- .tionsof the one-way brakes 23 and-42, Fand when either of the clutches 264 Vor '18 is engaged, the 5 clutch 16 functions ito prevent unrestrained reverse rotationof the reaction `elernent 55 whereby the .shaft 5| kis drivenfat increased .torquefand when the `speed of the rotor '54 is increasedsuficiently, `the brake 16 overruns :and allows th'e reaction element '55 to rotate freely inthe Ifor Ward direction falong with `the impeller `52iand rotor 5d. vThe shaft 5I thus is driven fat .-increasedvtorque in the 'same manner `that the shafts lIl and 3l in the Fig.. l and .FigBrembodiments of the invention'are driven, depending on 'which ofthe clutches 64 and 'iSis-enga'ged.

With thevalve piston I#33 controlled by tmeans "of the accelerator V94 `as lshown, the clutch S18 .is normally engaged and lathe planet gear T set V1K2 functions to allow the 'reaction 'element 55 :to

rotate in the reverse direction. Due to such. rotavthe reaction relement y55 in :the forward l'direce.

tion, and theconverter T53 iis effective to '.'drive'I-the shaft 5l at increased torque at a 'speed atxwhich 'the converter 53would function as afsimpleffluid coupling if no rotation weregiven'ito the 'reaction element 55 or 7the vgearing 10 `were functioning to allow reverse rotationofthe reaction element. The means interconnecting .the piston and 'accelerator 94thus actsasmeansfor The curves designated as |00V and IUI designate `the torque Kratiofand efficiency which-may be expectedY from :a con-verter similar 4to `those-shown in rthe embodiments .of .this Yinvention with+sim ply a one -way `brake fortheureaction .elementair-and withoutanymeans .for yrotating ,the reaction ele- .mentwhen the-.rotoris 4beingdrivenat.increased torque. `112he1point 4H12 on-the curve 100 dese ignates that lpoint-fat which the one-way .brake would begin -to overr-[un .and theconverter would begin vto fact as a simple yfluid coupling. |-Ifhe curves YH13 `and 1.04 are the torqueratio --and .efficiency .curves of ,the Fig. `1 embodiment :of ,this invention, :and `.the curves |05 and 10B-are the torque vratio and eciency curves ofthe Fig. 3 .embodiment of l the invention. .The points |01 and |08 are the :points vat which thee-oneway .coupling means-in .the Fig. land Figanemvbodiments of the .invention begin to.overrun,and these points-are comparable to the -point $32. @It will .be noted that l:ther-Fig. l 'embodiment oi the invention :provides ya -lower starting torque land 'a higher `clutch Apoint than .a torque converter Athe reactionelement `of which ris held stationary by a .one-way brake while the'starting torque -of the Fig. 3 .embodiment ofthe inventiOnIishigher .and `the clutch ,point is .lowerlthanp v.the l3comparable values forthe vordinary converter. v

I .wish A.it to `be understoodthatl do .not intend .to .limitmy invention .to .the details of :con-- struction yshown .and udescribed except only ,insofar ascertain of therappended.claims/:vare specicallyso limited, f-asit vwill :befapparenty totthose skilled in the .art that changes Imay be 'made without :departing from the principles -of the invention.

vI claim:

1. yIn `a transmission, .fthe .combination vof an input shaft, an 4,output .shaft, Ja .hydrodynamic torque converter device .having .an impellen .-a rotor and .a reaction element, said .input shaft Ybeing connected to -drive-.saidimpeller -ands'aid output-.shaft @being vconnected to be -driven cby .said-rotor, gear means connected 'with and .dirsposed .effectively lbetween "one of `said shafts `and said reaction element whereby .the reaction ele 4nient is rotated at a-.geared ratio- .in Aa 5 forward direction when vsaid rotorlfunctions .to `drivethe loutputrshaft atincreased torque 'and there. is rre- .action .inthe Areverse .direction on ithe reaction velement `from the fluid .flow in the torque `converter device, V.and V.a .one-way engaging unit.so Iconnected with said :reaction element and Asaid Igear means that .it takes va reactiondue yto an-y .-.reaction Lon :the :reaction .element -in the reverse direction when the '.reactionelement vis so rotated .in -the forward direction by said `.gear .means and the one-wayengagingunit `overruns .when .the .reaction on .the reaction element ,changes from .the .reverse -direction to the forward direction while the reaction elementris -besorotatedat .the geared Aratio in .the Vforward direction to therebylrelease the .reaction f element and; allowit to rotate freelyin the ,forwardcdirection.

2. In-a transmission;the-combinationfof anfin- -gput shaft, an output shaft, a hydrodynamic torque .converter kdevice having animpeller, .a :rotor and a l.reaction felement, said impeller Abeing connected with jsaid Ainput .shaft and .said .rotor '1'5 vbeing-.connectedwith-said outputshaft, planetary gearing connected with and disposed effectively between said reaction element and said output shaft whereby the reaction element is rotated at a geared ratio in the forward direction when the the rotor functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element from the fluid flow in the torque converter device, and a one-way brake connected with an element of said planetary gearing so that it takes a reaction due to any reaction on the reaction element in the reverse direction when the reaction element is so rotated in the forward direction by said gearing and the one-way brake overruns when the reaction on the reaction element changes from the reverse direction to the forward direction while the reaction element is being so rotated at the geared ratio in the forward direction to thereby release the reaction element and allow it to rotate freely in the forward direction.

3. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a hydrodynamic torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor, and a reaction element, said impeller being connected with said input shaft and said rotor being connected with said output shaft, planetary gear comprising a sun gear, a ring gear, a planet gear in mesh with the ring gear, a planet gear in mesh with said first-named planet gear and with said sun gear, and a planet gear carrier, said ring gear being connected with said reaction element and said planet gear carrier being connected with said output shaft, and o, oneway brake for said sun gear adapted to overrun to allow said reaction element to rotate freely in the forward direction.

4. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a to-rque converter device having a reaction element, an impeller and a rotor, said impeller being driven by said input shaft and said rotor driving said output shaft, and gearing means for selectively causing rotation of said reaction element at either of two different geared relationships with respect to said output shaft when the device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element.

5. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device comprising an impeller, a rotor, and a reaction element, said impeller being connected with said input shaft and said rotor being connected with said output shaft, two sets of gearing for causing rotation of said reaction element at two different geared relationships with respect to said output shaft when the device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element, and means for selectively making operative either of said gear sets.

6. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction element, said impeller being driven by said input shaft and said rotor driving said output shaft, and two gear means adapted to be made selectively operative for causing rotation of said reaction element in opposite directions when the device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element.

7. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction element, said impeller being driven by said input shaft and said rotor driving said output shaft, two gear means adapted to be made selectively operative for causing rotation of said reaction element at two different geared relationships With respect to one of said shafts when the de'- l vice functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element, and oneway engaging means for taking a reaction due to reaction on the reaction element in the reverse direction and overrunning when the reaction on the reaction element is in the forward direction.

8. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction element, said impeller Abeing driven by said-input shaft and said rotor driving said output shaft, two gear means for rotating said reaction element in opposite directions when the device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element, clutch means for selectively making effective either of said gear means, and one-way engaging means for taking a reaction due to reaction on the reaction element in the reverse direction and overrurming when the reaction on the reaction element is in the forward direction.

9. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction reaction element said impeller being connected with said input shaft and said rotor being connected with said output shaft, two planetary gear sets operatively disposed between said output shaft and said reaction element for rotating said stator in opposite directions when the device functions to drive the o-utput shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element, friction clutch means for selectively making effective either of said gear sets, and one-way engaging means for taking a reaction due to reaction on the reaction element in the reverse direction and overrunning when the reaction on the reaction element is in the forward direction.

v 10. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device comprising an impeller, a rotor, and a reaction element, said impeller being connected with said input shaft and said rotor being connected with said output shaft, a planetary gear set comprising a ring gear, a sun gear, a planet gear in mesh with the sun and ring gears and a planet gear carrier, a friction clutch for connecting said reaction element and said ring gear, said sun gear being connected with said output shaft, a second planetary ygear set comprising a ring gear, a planet gear in mesh with said last-named ring gear, a sun gear, a planet gear in mesh with said last-named sun gear and said secondnamed planet gear, and a carrier for said two last-named planet gears, said last-named carrier being connected with said output shaftiand said last-named sun gear being connected with said first-named carrier, a, friction clutch for connecting said reaction element and said lastnamed ring gear, and a one-way brake for said Afirst-named carrier and said last-named sun gear for taking a reaction due to reaction on the reaction element in the reverse direction and overrunning when the reaction on the reaction element is in the forward direction.

11i. Ina. transmission for a motor vehicle, the combination of an input shaft, an outputshaft, a torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction element, said impeller being driven byf said inputshaft and saidrotor driving said output shaft', gearing means for selectively rotating said reaction element at either of two different geared relationshipsl with respect to said output shaft when the device function to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element, an accelerator, and means under the control of said accelerator and controlling said first-named means whereby when the devicedrives the output shaft at increased torque the reaction ele- Y men-t' normally rotates at its speed differing greatest from the speed ofthe impeller and when the acceleratorl is in open throttle posi-tion the reactionelement'rotates at its other speed.

l2'. In a transmission for a motor vehicle, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction element, said impeller being driven by said input shaft and said rotor driving said output' shaft, two gear means adaptedto be selectively made operative for rotating said reaction element in opposite directions when the device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and thereis reaction in the reverse direction onthe reaction element, an accelerator having av downshifting position, and means under the control of said accelerator and controlling said gearv means whereby when the device drives the output shaft at increased torque the reaction element normally rotates in a reverse direction and when the accelerator is in its downshilfting position the reaction element rotates` in its forward direction.

13. In a transmission for a motor vehicle, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device having an impeller, a rotorV and a reaction element, said ifrnpeller being driven by said input shaft and said rotor driving said output shaft, two gear sets for rotating said reaction elementin opposite directions when the device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction inthe reverse direction on the reaction ele-y ment, friction clutch means for making effective either of said gear sets, one-way engaging means for` taking aV reaction due to reaction on the reaction element in the reverse direction and overrunning when the reaction on the reaction element is in the forward direction, an accelerator, and means under the control of said acceleratorl and controlling saidV friction clutch means whereby when the deviceV drives the output shaft' at increased torque the gear set for driving the reaction element in the reverse direction is normally effective and when the accelerator is inits open throttle position the other gear set isl eiective.

14. In atransmission for a motor vehicle, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a torque converter device comprising an impeller, a rotor, and a reaction element, said impeller being connected with said input shaft and said rotor being connected with said output shaft, a planetary gear set comprising a ring gear, a sun gear connected with said output shaft, a planet gear in mesh-With the sun and ring gears, and a planet gear carrier, a friction clutch for connecting said: ring gear and said reaction element, a planetary gear set comprising a ring gear, a sunv gear, a

I2 planetl gear in mesh with said last-nainedl ring gear, a planet gear in mesh with said second"- named planet gear and saidv last-named sungear, and a carrier `for said two last-named planet gears and connected with said output shaft, a friction clutch for connecting said last-named ring gear and said reaction element, said lastnamed sun gear being connected with. said firstnamed carrier, a one-way brake for said lastnamed sun gear and first-named carrier for taking a reaction due to reaction on the reaction element in the reverse. direction and overrunning when the reaction on theA reaction element is in the forward direction, an accelerator, andV fluid pressure means under the control of said accelerator and control-ling said. friction clutches wherebyv said rst-named friction clutch is normally engaged and Awhen the accelerator is in its open throttle position the first-named friction clutch is disengaged and the second-named friction clutch is engaged.

15;. In a transmission, the combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a hydrodynamic torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction elementcsaid impeller being driven by said input shaft and said rotor driving said output shaft, two gear meansA for rotating said reaction element at two. different speed ratios with respect to one of said shafts when the device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element, fluid pressure, responsive means for making each of said gear meansk operative, a source of fluid pressure, and a valve for connecting said fluid pressure source with one of said 'uid pressure responsive means in one position of the valve and for connecting said fluid pressure source with the other of said fluid pressure responsive means in another position of the valve;

16,. In a transmission for a motor vehicle, the combination of an input. shaft, an, output shaft, a hydrodynamic device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction element for the conversion of torque and having its impeller and' rotor connected respectively to said input and output shafts to transmit a drive from said input shaft to said output shaft, a one-way' brake for taking the reaction of. the reaction element when the hydrodynamic device is converting torque, a pair of gear sets each adapted to be connected between said one-way brake and said reaction element for rotating said element in opposite directions the one of said gear sets rotating said reaction element in a reverse direction providing a high starting torque,- and the. other of said gear sets rotating said reaction elementi in the forward direction providing a lower starting torque but a. longer range of torque multiplication, an accelerator, and means under the control of said accelerator for normally making effective the one of said gearV sets for rotating the reaction element in the reverse direction andv making said other gear set effective when the accelerator is moved to open throttleposition.

17. In a transmission, the. combination of an input shaft, an output shaft, a hydrodynamic torque converter device having an impeller, a rotor and a reaction element, said impeller being connected with said input shaft and said rotor being connected with said output shaft, planetary gearing comprising a sun gear, a ring gear, a planetgear in mesh with the ring gear, a, planet gear in. mesh with said first-named planet gear and with said sun gear, and a planetv gear. carrier. said ring gear being connected with said reaction element and said planet gear carrier being connected with said output shaft, and means for holding said sun gear against reverse rotation whereby the planetary gearing functions to rotate the reaction element at a geared ratio in the forward direction.

18. In a transmission for an engine driven Vehicle, the combination of an accelerator for controlling the speed of the vehicle engine, an input shaft adapted to be rotated in the forward direction by the engine, an output shaft, a hydrodynamic torque converter device having a vaned reaction element, a vaned impeller and a vaned rotor, said impeller being driven by said input shaft and said rotor driving said output shaft, means for driving said reaction element from one of said shafts to rotate relative to each other in a predetermined relationship when the torque converter device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the reverse direction on the reaction element, means for disconnecting the drive from said one shaft to said reaction element, control means including a one-way brake preventing free retrograde movement of said reaction element when the said drive is disconnected and the torque converter device functions to drive the output shaft at increased torque and there is reaction in the 14 reverse direction on the reaction element, and means operatively connecting said accelerator and said disconnecting means to establish said drive to said reaction element at one position of the accelerator and for disconnecting said drive When the accelerator is moved to another position. A

PALMER ORR.

.REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

